The Lionel Columbia Type 2-4-2 Locomotive No. 243 was available only in 1960. Produced on a BLACK Type VI painted plastic body with a WHITE heat-stamped number on the cab, it has a metal sided motor and has added weights in the front and the rear of the locomotive to aid in its tractive effort. It is controlled by a two position directional unit. This locomotive was lighted and has a headlight lens and a liquid smoke unit equipped with bellows.

This engine is the same as the No. 244 except that this locomotive came with a No. 243W square whistle tender equipped with AAR trucks and one disc coupler. There are no variations.

This locomotive was designed to work on O27 Gauge track and it will also run on the wider radius of O Gauge track.